Policemen to turn guards for MLAs

Delhi's MLAs will soon have uniformed policemen protecting them. The Delhi assembly on Thursday cleared a long-standing demand of its members for a personal security officer (PSO).

On Thursday, two MLAs — Surender Kumar of the Congress and S.P. Ratawal of the Bharatiya Janata Party — moved a motion that the MLAs be provided security by the government.

The MLAs have said they need the security cover even it is arranged from its own budget. Cutting across party lines, all MLAs agreed to the motion.

According to senior Delhi government officers, the government will now write to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to provide security to the members of the House. On the recommendation of the Intelligence Bureau, the MHA will approve the security cover for Delhi MLAs.

The chief minister, her six cabinet colleagues, leader of the Opposition, the Speaker, deputy Speaker, the chief whip, parliamentary secretaries and heads of some assembly appointed commissions already enjoy personal security.

Of the 70-member Delhi assembly , the remaining 50-odd MLAs will also be given a constable-rank armed officer for security cover.

Sources said the Delhi government would spend about R 10 lakh a month for security of the MLAs.

Sources said Delhi and Rajasthan are the two states where MLAs are not provided with security officers.

"We often travel till late night and there is a constant threat to our lives.

"Though I have my personal bodyguards, having a man in uniform will add to the sense of security," said Anil Jha, BJP's first time MLA from Kirari (North West Delhi) assembly segment.